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East County runners were participating in event
By Miriam Raftery and Nadin Abbott
April 15, 2013 (Boston) – Two bomb blasts ripped through the finish line area at the Boston Marathon today, turning the athletic event into a scene reminiscent of a war zone. Over 100 people have been treated at Boston-area hospitals, some with serious injuries including amputations of limbs. Two people are reported dead, including a child, CNN reports.
Approximately 191 people from San Diego County were running in the event, according to the Boston Marathon website. That includes from San Diego as well as several from East County and inland areas: Five from La Mesa, Four from El Cajon, four from Poway, and one each from Lakeside and Ramona. A hotline has been setup for families seeking information at 617-635-4500.
Today was a holiday, Patriot’s Day, in Massachusetts. The occasion honors the battles of Lexington and Concord during the Revolutionary War and celebrating America’s spirit of independence.
President Obama announced that has directed “the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people, increase security around the United States as necessary, and investigate what happened. The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight,” he added. “And Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.”
It is not yet known who is behind the bombings and authorities have said that no threats were received prior to the attacks. A law enforcement source on the East Coast has advised ARWE news service that the bombs were improved explosive devices (IEDs), an ARWE source told ECM. A third explosion at the JFK Library in Boston may be unrelated, Boston police have indicated.
Cell phone service has been shut down in the heart of Boston to prevent activation of any other devices. Police are searching the downtown areas and two hotels were evacuated as a precaution. Some flights have been delayed as well.
Some news reports indicate heightened security in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles.
“There is no credible threat in San DIego at this time,” Lt. Amos with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department told ECM.
In El Cajon, Monica Zech said emergency services “have always had a high alert status since 9/11.”
Citizens everywhere are advised to be alert and report suspicious activity or packages.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all suffering as a result of these senseless and cowardly attacks,” said San Diego Police Officers Association President Brian Marvel.
If you are concerned about loved ones in Boston and have not been able to get in touch with them, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis is encouraging people to call the Mayor’s hotline at (617) 635-4500. Boston Marathon witnesses, who may have information on the incidents, are encouraged to call (800)-494-TIPS.
For more on this unfolding story, visit the Boston Globe at www.boston.com.
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